2011 and beyond: A Strat Plan

The City of Thunder Bay is looking to the future.  Councillors listened to a report on the strategic planning process at a meeting Monday night.  The City is currently reviewing issues for the Strategic Plan and later in the month goals will be set. Spokesperson Karen Lewis says they hope to have a citizen survey out before the Strat Plan is complete. Many councillors want the survey to be done sooner rather than later.  Lewis says they could look at moving the survey up to late February or March rather than May. Public feedback on the draft plan will be held in the Spring.

Coaster inquest set

A coroner's inquest will be held February 7th in Thunder Bay into the death of Christopher Coaster.   The 29 year old died in August of 2008 while in custody at the Thunder Bay District Jail.   It's expected to last five days and hear from about 12 witnesses.

Violence against aboriginal women to be discussed

Thunder Bay's Community Health Centre will be taking part in a meeting on violence against aboriginal women. The Status of Women committee will be in Thunder Bay this Friday, and Chair Dr. Hedy Fry says they want to speak to aboriginal communities. Fry says she wants to see what they tell her about the root causes and the nature of violence being inflicted on first nation women. Fry says any solutions that come from this cross-Canada tour will be created for aboriginals by aboriginals.

Provincial Funding for North Shore Communities

A number of North Shore communities are receving funds from the Provincial Government.  Over 315 thousand dollars is being dolled out to eight projects in the region.  Terrace Bay will be using its share to install a slow sand filtration system.

Police publish robbery pics

Thunder Bay police are releasing surveillance photos of a robbery last week.  They are hoping to keep the case in the public eye by publishing the images of a masked and seemingly armed man.  He is seen entering the Northern Lights Credit Union Friday afternoon.  He got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

Watermain break causes road closure

A watermain break at the corner of Algoma and Dufferin is now fixed.   City crews worked on the problem after it was reported Sunday night.   A number of residents in the area were without water while it was repaired.   It also forced the closure of Algoma between Dufferin and Bay for a number of hours.

Inquest postponed

An inquest into the death of a 27 year old man is being postponed.  Bruce Moonias died on December 11th, 2006 at the Thuner Bay hospital after being involved with the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.  The inquest was to take place on January 17th, but has yet to rescheduled.

Frank Pullia returns to City Hall tonight

Former City Councillor Frank Pullia is making a return to council chambers. Pullia is presenting a report tonight on the city's strategic planning process. Tonight's council meeting is solely dedicated to the strategic planning process. Pullia's presentation is part of his Lakehead University MBA Group Study.

Cancer Centre needs more $

Millions of dollars will be going into the Regional Cancer Centre over the next 4 years. It's to help the facility comply with Ontario Cancer Care's strategic plan.  Thunder Bay CEO Michael Power says the funding will require an extra 15 million dollars  for new equipment to fight cancer.

Brentwood Mall broken into

Thunder Bay police are still looking for someone or some people who broke into two stores in the Brentwood Mall.   Officer say just before 4 o'clock yesterday morning officers discovered two glass doors smashed open.  Police haven't made any arrests at this time.